Nation
THE STATES
Osun
Osun State government has set N4.5 billion aside, to ensure adequate development of technical and vocational education in the state.
The Osun State Commission for education, Science and Technology Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, said this at a speech presentation organized for schools and colleges in the state.
Adesiyan said already, about nine technical colleges in the state would be used as Attest case for various vocational educational advancement for total emancipation of the youths, adding that the state government is committed to the advancement, development of vocational and technical education in the state, in order to put the unemployed youths on a sound
footing.
Zamfara
Zamfara state special Adviser, Directorate for Rural Electrification, Alhaji Sani Rawayya, Wednesday said government has so far spent about N500 million on the purchase of transformers to boost power supply in the state.
Rawayya said the amount was used to acquire 100 units of transformers, saying the directorate has already received 50 units from the contractors and were distributed to various communities in the state.
He said already, the directorate has installed the transformers at Tsafe, Samaru, Filindem, Munehi, Tudun Wada, Unguwar Yarima, Gadabiyu while others areas will receive similar treatment adding that about 44 other electrification projects were in progress and have reached advanced level of completion.
Kaduna
Judicial workers in Kaduna State had their deplorable plight brought to the fare by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) which declared them as the least paid in the country.
The association said the poor conditions of service of magistrates in the Kaduna State judiciary was unacceptable and urged Governor Namadi Sambo to redress their plight by increasing their salaries and other benefits.
NBA president, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), stated this recently as the Association national officers converged in Kaduna to consider vexed issues such as the professional fees charged by lawyers in the country.
At the opening of the third yearly conference of the legal practice section of the NBA tagged “legal practice changing times, changing strategies, “Akeredolu said it was not an enviable position for Kaduna state to be the least in the federation in terms of remunerations for its judicial workers, particularly magistrates.
To Samdo, Akeredolu said. “Our magistrates here are happy with you, but they want to be happier, I tried to collect data when I am coming to a particular state, and I found out that your magistrates are not well paid whether you like it or not, Kaduna is the capital of the North this is where the north started, so don’t lag behind.
“Do well for your magistrates and let other states copy you; you must show the light and let others now follow illuminate the path and let others follow you. I can assure them (the magistrates) that they will smile after his NBA conference.”
Taraba
At least one person have been reportedly killed and several others hospitalised following the protests that erupted in Ibi Local Council Area of Taraba over the non-payment of workers’ salaries.
The local council employees were said to have also accused the council chairman, Yakubu Agbaizo, of staying away from the council in Jalingo, the state capital or Abuja the Federal Capital Territory.
Apart from the death and injuries, property worth millions of naira, including a church was said to have been razed by the protesting workers.
The anger of the workers, it was leant, was ignited when the chairman, instead of payng the entire salaries owned them decided to pay only half of the salaries for the month of August.
On sensing danger, the chairman was said to have taken to his heels but was cornered by the workers, prompting sporadic shooting by policemen attached to the council headquarters.
The chairman, who at the time of filing this report was taking refuge at the nearby local council or Wukari police station, was said to have had a narrow escape.
Protests and complaint have recently emanated from many local councils in the state about the refusal of the council chairmen to pay workers’ salaries for over there months.
Ekiti
Following the ultimatum given by the Ekiti State of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to the state government to pay September and October salaries of its workers or face industrial action, the state government has said that all allowances of the workers have been paid including their October salary.
The state government in a statement said all local government workers and primary school teachers were paid October salary last week.
The state commissioner for local government, Mr Femi Ige, who issued the statement, said the salaries of the council workers and primary school teachers paid gulped a total sum of N1.024 billion.
The commissioner described as self-serving the 14-day ultimatum issued to the government by the NLC for the payment of September and October salary of public servants in the state, saying; issuing an ultimatum salary already paid is not only ridiculous but self-serving.”
Ige said all local government workers and primary school teachers in the state have been paid up to October adding that, “the government will continue to take welfare of the workers and the entire people of the state as priority.”
The commissioner urged leaders of the NLC in the state to emulate the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) by assisting the government in realising its developmental goals instead of issuing ultimatum to the government on the payment of just one month salary arrear.
Abuja
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested five suspected drug traffickers for allegedly swallowing 410 wraps of powering narcotic substances at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Interational Aiport (NAIA) Abuja.
According to a statement by the Head Public Affairs, Ofoyeju Mitchell, yesterday in Lagos, four the suspects ingested 385 wraps of substances that tested positive for cocaine with a weight of 5.750kg, while one suspect ingested 75 wraps of substances that tested positive for heroin with a weight of 1.3kg. All the suspects were caught attempting to extort the illicit drugs out of the country at the airport.
Benue
The Benue state university, Makurdi, has cancelled the aptitude test it conducted for the faculty of social sciences last weekend.
Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Professor Paul Sorkaa, stated that the university management resolved to cancel the test for all prospective students of the faculty of social sciences, because the tests were marred by irregularities.
Sorkana has reiterated the determination of the university to, at all times, maintain high standards, stressing that it would not condone any attempt at fraud.
Explaining the circumstances that led to the cancellation at an interview recently.
Ogun
The Nigerian Union of Teachers, Ogun State wing, has suspended its seven week-old strike for two weeks, pending the outcome of the negotiation between the State Government and the Union.
The teachers had embarked on the action because of the inability of the state government to implement the 27.5 per cent new Teachers Salary Scale.
Also, government promised not to penalize any teacher(s) in the state for the role (s) played while the strike lasted. In a statement signed by Modupe Idowu, Information Officer, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology made available on Saturday said, “consequent upon meeting held between the state government led by the Head of Service, Chief Dipo Odulate and NUT representatives, it was unanimously agreed to suspend the strike action for two weeks with effect from Monday, 9th November, to allow for the conclusion of the negotiation.
“That government will not penalize any teachers for their roles in the cause of the strike.”
Meanwhile the Chairman of the Union, Comrade Sam Idowu, had since directed that teachers in both primary and secondary schools in the state to return to classrooms with immediate effect.
Ibadan
What could have been a bloody weekend for the people of of Molete in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was divinely averted on Friday when a trailer carrying full load of sand rammed into a storey building, however, killing nobody.
The trailer, with registration number EDO XC 123 AUC, working for a construction firm handling the construction work on Queen Cinema — Molete Road avoided running over vehicles, traders and scores of passersby at Bode Market, in Molete, and instead, diverted to a building serving as vocational centre for the Nigeria Prison Services.
Mr. Okuwobi Oyekanmi Oluwafolajimi, a Senior Prison Assistant, who was on duty at the time of the accident, said it happened at 10.45 a.m. The vehicle, which had a brake failure, was coming from Challenge Area and when it was descending the Molete flyover, the driver, Mr. Gbolahan Timilehin, who was conscious of not running over the people and vehicles at the end of the flyover, swerved left and entered into the hall of the building used as tailoring workshop .
The building, serving as vocational centre, is used by the prisons for reformation of inmates that have served or serving their jail terms. The sewing machines in the hall were damaged and a staff the trailer met in the hall escaped unhurt. The driver, who afterwards became unconscious due to shock, was taken to Prospect Medical Centre and Maternity Clinic at Eyin Grammar in Molete.
Speaking on the hospital bed, the driver said it was God who helped him because the fear that he would run over the people gripped him and he had to divert the vehicle to the house which he saw was empty.
Taraba
The recent suspension of three government House workers for failing to attend the mandatory daily prayers for a period of time instituted by Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba sate has continued to raise dust in the state.
The workers, who included two female journalists from the state-owned media and an aide to the governor’s special adviser on security, were last week suspended for refusing to be part of the mandatory daily prayers initiated by the governor for both Christians and Moslems workers working in the Government House.
Suntai was said to have ordered their immediate suspension after going through attendant register for the Christians at the Government House Unity Chapel during one of the prayer sessions. Immediately after his assumption of office on May 2007, the governor enacted compulsory prayers for workers attached to the Government House to be observe by 8.00a.m, 12.00 noon and 4.00p.m. daily.
The mandatory daily exercise stressed that both faiths must strictly adhere to the policy by patronizing the Unity Chapel or the mosque both of which are situated in the Government House from Mondays to Fridays.
Nation
Zabbey Emerges Social Impact Man Of The Year 2025 …Reaffirms Commitment To Ogoni Transformation
The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, has been named Social Impact Man of the Year 2025 by Daily Independent Newspapers.
The award was presented at the Independent Awards 2025 Silver Jubilee Edition held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, as part of activities marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary of editorial excellence.
Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers, Steve Omanufeme, said the award recognises individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and transformative impact in their respective fields. He explained that recipients emerged through a rigorous process involving public voting, editorial board scrutiny, and assessment by a panel of judges.
Omanufeme noted that Zabbey’s selection reflects his outstanding contributions to environmental restoration and community development in Ogoniland through the Ogoni cleanup project.
With over two decades of experience spanning research, advocacy, capacity development, and administration, Zabbey has, within three years of leading HYPREP, implemented people-focused initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and restoring degraded ecosystems.
Under his leadership, the project has reportedly created more than 7,000 direct jobs and facilitated the training of thousands of youths and women in high-demand skills, including mechatronics, cybersecurity, commercial diving, underwater welding, and data analytics.
HYPREP has also trained over 5,000 beneficiaries across 21 vocational skill areas, providing start-up kits to support entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
In the area of environmental sustainability, the agency has established 31 environmental clubs in secondary schools and trained 2,500 youths with International Maritime Organization (IMO) certification to support shoreline cleanup and mangrove restoration efforts.
The project has recorded significant ecological milestones, including the cleanup of over 1,000 hectares of shoreline and restoration of 560 hectares of mangroves. This progress contributed to the designation of Ogoni mangrove wetlands as a Ramsar Site of international importance.
Beyond environmental remediation, HYPREP has expanded its social intervention programmes to include educational grants and scholarships for over 1,000 students, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, and skills training for persons living with special needs.
Infrastructure and healthcare development have also featured prominently, with ongoing projects such as the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, a Cottage Hospital, the Ogoni Power Project, and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration. The agency has further strengthened emergency healthcare delivery by donating five ambulances to medical facilities in the region.
Additionally, potable water has been provided to more than 40 communities, alongside the construction of wind-powered water systems in underserved areas.
Speaking on the award, Zabbey described it as a validation of HYPREP’s integrated approach to environmental restoration, healthcare improvement, and economic empowerment.
“We remain committed to delivering a cleanup that not only restores the environment but also improves livelihoods in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
HYPREP, in a statement, expressed appreciation to the management of Independent Newspapers for the recognition, the Federal Ministry of Environment for its oversight role, and the Ogoni communities for their continued support and collaboration.
The agency was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland and restore areas impacted by oil pollution.
Nation
Rivers State Judiciary Counters NBA National Position over Contempt Ruling, Says Judge Acted Within the Law
The Rivers State Judiciary has faulted the Nigerian Bar Association National over its March 26, 2026 press release condemning the jailing of a lawyer for contempt, insisting the trial judge acted lawfully to protect the court’s integrity.
In a rejoinder issued by Chief Registrar High Court,David D. Ihua-Maduenyi, Esq., the judiciary said it was necessary to “set the records straight” following reactions to the NBA’s statement on the contempt conviction of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin.
Titled: “JUDGES MUST NOT BULLY LAWYERS OR
ABUSE POWER TO PUNISH FOR CONTEMPT AS A TOOL
FOR INTIMIDATION OF LAWYERS”
RE: IN THE MATTER OF CONTEMPT OF COURT BY MRS.
LOVINAH UGBANA BENJAMIN
IN SUIT NO.
PHC/301/2016 CORAM C. NWOGU J., OF THE HIGH
COURT OF RIVERS STATE.
The state judiciary explained that case in question is Suit No. PHC/301/2016 before Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the Rivers State High Court, where Mrs. Benjamin served as defence counsel.
The statement read thus
“We are compelled to make this rejoinder regarding the
incident of the conviction for contempt and subsequent
unconditional discharge of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin,
Learned Counsel for the Defendants in the above suit by Hon.
Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the High Court of Rivers State in
order to set the records straight, and not allow the
misinformation, misconception and reactions arising from the
NBA National Press Release in the matter to fester as reality or
truth.”
In the suit under reference wherein the said Learned
Counsel appeared for the Defendants, the Learned Counsel
attempted to mislead the Court by her signed and filed final
written address, by knowingly and falsely presenting non-
existent facts and evidence of a witness. When confronted by the
Court, she admitted that what she stated in her final written
the address was not true and she was unapologetic.”
“The to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Court, which the
said Learned Counsel treated with clear and brazen contempt, the
Court after following due process, convicted her for contempt and
sentenced her to prison for 3 days only, instead of the 3 months
statutory term due to passionate plea from the Bar.”
“According to the statement the suggestion of the NBA National in paragraph 10 of the
Press Release under reference that “where a court considers
counsel’s conduct improper, the proper course is to invoke
recognised disciplinary mechanisms, including referring
counsel to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee
(LPDC), rather than resorting to summary punitive measures”,
is not an invariable rule because the act of the Defence Counsel
constitutes contempt in facie curiae which the Court can punish
instantly, hence the action of the Judge is not an abuse of power
or an act of intimidation.”
“Nevertheless, due to the numerous calls from respected
members of the Bar to the offices of the Chief Registrar and the
Honourable Chief Judge for the release of the said Learned
Counsel, and the intervention of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch
delegation led by its Chairman, Mrs. Cordelia U. Eke to the Judge.
in his Chambers in the morning of 26/03/2026 where the
delegation upon learning the true facts of the incident, apologised
and pleaded for the release of the said Learned Counsel.
“The Judge
having accepted the apology signed a production warrant and
upon her production in court and oral application by Mrs. Cordelia
U. Eke, discharged her unconditionally that same morning.”
The statement further stated that It is therefore shocking to read later that day the NBA
National Press Release signed by its President and Secretary, Mazi
Afam Joseph Osigwe (SAN) and Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara respectively,
fiercely threatening and hastily advocated the following ultimata and
the immediate release of the affected
Counsel.
:That the Hon. Chief Judge of Rivers State
immediately investigate the circumstances
surrounding this incident and take
appropriate administrative action.
That appropriate disciplinary steps be taken
by the National Judicial Council, where
necessary.
That the remand of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana
Benjamin under the circumstances be
condemned and set aside”
“That all NBA branches in Port Harcourt and
its environs and all legal practitioners
boycott the proceedings before the Court of
Hon. Justice Nwogu for a period of 7 days if
Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin is not
released within 24 hours.
“It seems to us that it is either the NBA Port Harcourt Branch
leadership did not relate the true position to the NBA National or
if they did, the NBA National decided to speak daggers, not peace
to impugn the Judge as a villain.
“We find the position of the NBA National on this subject very
offensive and embarrassingly raising a feeling of acrimony against
the Judge in particular, and the High Court bench of Rivers State
in general. We categorically state that the Hon. Justice Chinwendu
Nwogu is one of our respected and respectful Judges with
unblemished integrity.
We view this Press Release as an isolated departure from the
enterprising and amiable leadership of the NBA National,
especially its President, whom we hold in high esteem and
admiration.”
“Whilst we appreciate the concern of the NBA National in
bringing attention to the event of 25th March 2026, we assure that
the Bench and the Bar in Rivers State remain veritable partners
in the administration of justice.
“We firmly restate that the Bench in Rivers State holds the Bar
in high esteem and this event would not disrupt the cordial
relationship between the Bench and the Bar.”